Observations from Freel

Location Name: 
Freel Peak
Region: 
Luther Pass Area (including Job and Freel)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 03/04/2013 - 14:30
Location Map: 
United States
38° 51' 34.6572" N, 119° 53' 50.0352" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pics 1 and 2: Surface hoar was widespread along my Willow Creek approach (S side of Freel). Observed in the morning up to 10,000ft. Pic 2 was taken at approximately 4pm, when several slopes - that still held surface hoar in varying states of decay from the heat and sun - began regrowing surface hoar due to cooling temps, high humidity, and a clear sky (I found surface hoar forming in my approach skin track, which was too late in the morning for an AM regrowth cycle). I didn't descend beyond 9,600ft on the N side of Freel, and didn't see evidence of SH formation on that side.

Pic 3: Wind scoured surface on NE aspect of Freel above 10,600ft.

Pic 4: My pit location, at provided lat/long. Appeared well wind loaded from a distance, but Hst and light wind slab formation were minimal.

Pic 5 and pit: Small faceted particles just above the rain crust nearest the surface. Facets below this crust are slowly gaining strength. No secondary crust layer observed. Ski pen here was limited to 5cm, with boot pen of 20-25cm.

On the N aspect slope just adjacent to my pit location (skier's right), no facets were observed just above the crust, and the crust itself was much stronger and thicker. Similar facets below the crust were observed. Ski pen and boot pen were both less than 10cm.

On a steep, rocky E aspect with an elevation range from 9,600-10,400ft, very recent rockfall was observed before noon, which failed to trigger loose wet instabilities.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Air temps were generally well above 0c, though at my pit location I measured -1c. Calm winds until mid-afternoon, when SW winds were light with very light wind transport (just above snow surface).